Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Thrilled to Have Amber Robinson With Me Today!If you're interested in a chance to win her book, please leave a comment and an email address.

How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear “call?” Or have you just loved writing all your life?

I have always loved to read. I liked writing but pursued music in college. I came back to writing as a child advocate with Compassion International, a Christian non-profit that helps children in poverty. I had stories to write about the everyday people who were making a big difference in the world.

What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I write non-fiction (in story form) and short stories.

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?

I work as a free lance writer and own another business so I write for a few hours in the afternoon twice a week on my writing days (they are always the same day of the week). When I work on a book I have a goal count of 1,000 words before I can be done for that day.

You recently had a book published. Would you take this time to describe it to us? How and where can readers buy your books?

Mercy Rising: Simple Practical Ways to Practice Justice and Compassion was recently released by Beacon Hill of Kansas City. It is a compilation of stories of everyday people from every age and stage who are making a difference in the world through simple things: interactions with neighbors, changing shopping habits, incorporating justice into their businesses, etc. It is also inspirational and practical with many websites and resources. Subjects addressed include poverty, trafficking, orphans, etc. The treatment of these “heavy” subjects are done in a upbeat and hopeful way. Mercy Rising is available anywhere books are sold. It is easy to find on Amazon.com.

What is the spiritual message in your book? What can readers expect to get from reading it?

The title Mercy Rising comes from the 58th chapter of Isaiah. If we care for the vulnerable then we will be like the dawn, the sun that rises in the darkness. We think we are helping just for “them”, but find joy, purpose, and life that only comes in getting out of our “bubble” and giving ourselves away.

Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through?

Recently I was watching a television show where a business woman listed three traits of a successful entrepreneur. The quality she valued the most was the ability to fail and start again. She said those who get up the quickest are the ones that win. I immediately thought of my author friends. I have dear friends I love that keep going and ones that become really depressed over each piece of bad news. They constantly ask, “Am I good enough?” “Am I a writer?” So much creative energy is drained and they are stuck. We all feel like quitting. Probably at least once a week. The question is will we learn from our mistakes and become stronger or become wallowers?

I have an email prayer list, where I send prayer requests about writing and feel that covering which really helps. I read, read, read to keep my mind flowing with creativity. I also get out in nature, visit art galleries, listen to music, and surround myself with creative friends in other fields where they risk and dream big is important.

Would you explain how you “chose” (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?” Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

I went to the “Write to Publish” conference to connect with publishers. The first year I went just to check out the process and learn to write a proposal (get a good book that will show you formatting). The second conference year I worked on pitches and got publisher leads and an agent.

I am currently working on two novels, speak at justice events, and I am helping my husband put together his music tour (http://www.aaronjrobinson.com/).

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

I really dislike cheesecake and cheesy music.

I like indie music, local businesses, and children.

My husband and I like to laugh – a lot.

I plan to travel to Africa and meet my sponsored children, Diana and Ritah with Compassion International.

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

11 comments:

Amber, you have inspired me! I'd love to read your book. I also write non-fiction and my hubby and I love to laugh! Thanks for the interview and thanks to Carol for posting. My email is SplashesofSerenity@yahoo.com

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About Me

I love writing and books, dogs and cats, babies and grandsons, real cheesecake and fruit, country scenes and cities at night, chocolate and nuts, fireplaces and hot tubs, flowers and trees, Christmas trees and Christmas--period, research and editing, eating and hanging with my best buddy--hubby, stories that intrigue me and stories that enchant me, words of wisdom from the ancients and words of wisdom from children, and certainly not least: God and his mercy.